. 635 
:9 M13 



/vi/S 



INTRIGUE 



A DRAMA IN 



PROLOGUE! Five Acts, 



Entered f I ccordlng to Act of Congress, in the year 1883, by B. Mc- 
Crnryjin the office of the TAhrariayiof Congress, at Washington. 




MARSHALL, TEXAS: 

Jt^NNlNGS HROS., STEAM PRINTERS, BINDERS AND STATIONERS. 
\ 1883. 



y 



'C. JQ 



PROLOGUE. 



Fortune Telling, 



GlfST GOLDSCHMIDT, - - - German Immigrant. 

GEO. WEST, Intriguing Lawyer. 

MILES McCART, Irish Footman 

JACK WARD, --.--.- Highwayman. 

BILL HUNT, Pal to Jack. 

CHIN SIN, - - - - - - - Chinaman. 

ROSEN A MILLER, - - - - . Harvest Maiden. 

OLLIE WEST, Cousin to George. 

MOTHER WARD, Fortune Teller. 

NINA GOLDSCHMIDT, - - - Little Sister to Gust. 

Traveler, Speculator, Preacher, Indians. 



SCENE— CITY PARK. 



A'ttfer Jack and Mother Ward [L], Jack withblack eye ; she carrying camp stool, 
tray, coffee-pot, cups, saucers, etc. Mother spreads things on ground and sits 
on stool. 

Jack. Well, mother, I've just seed the ferry-boat, and thar's a big 
crowd of 'em. I tells yer. Tellin' of fortunes to-day ought to pay. Mind 
now, if any of yer customers acknowledges havin' got any swag, tip me the 
wink and I'll be on to 'em. I need some money in my business jest n^w. 
I'm a briiiser, and was busted last night. [Displaying black eye.] 

Mother. Times good, money plenty ; times bad, the devil's to pay, and we 
no without liquor all day. There's money in fortunes, told jiist so, the 
customer may know— not all— only enough to tease, and then I bleed them 
as I please. 

Jack. Yer a trump of a mother. Here comes a sucker. See if you can 
fruit him . [Retires and lights cigar stump . 

Enter George, L. 

Mother. Mister, buy some ceffee, and for a shilling I'll tell your fortune 
from the bottom of the cup . 
Geo. [Aside] In luck. I'm just in the frame of mind this morning to 



2 INTRIGUE. 

patronize such an institution, as this. [Aloud] Nary darn cent but this 
madam. [Hands mother money. 

Jack. Nary draw there. He can't he touched. [Sits down by tree and falls 
usleep. 

Geo. I'de just like to know a few hints of my future, for I'm be dam.ned 
if it isn't more than I can guess, in my present uncertain circumstances. 
Give us a cup of your erebus nectar, and lets see what's at the bottom of 
it. [ilother pours coffee; he drinks ; she examines grounds in bottom of cup and 
proceeds. 

Mother. A very dark present — 

Qeo. Yes, damned dark. 

Mother. And still darker future— 

Geo. That's consoling. 

Mo. Providing, you dispel the cloiids as I direct— 

Geo. Oh, certainly. 

Mo. You will become a lawyer— 

Geo. Tuat is my intention. 

Mo. Court a very fascinating young lady, whom you would make your 
wife— 

Geo. Oh, I guess not. 

Mo. You will handle a great deal of money— 

Geo. Will this fascinating creature, aforesaid, be the possessor thereof ? 

Mo. The young lady will become very wealthy, and— 

Geo. There. You needn't go any further. That's just what I wanted to 
know. J didn't care a damn about the girl, so she had the money, ^e's 
mine Good-day. [Exit. R. 

Jack. [Yawning] I'm outer that chap. If ever he gets any monej'', thar 
will be a divv for me. Here comes one of yer dolly tolly things. They never 
carries any svrag. 

Enter Rosena, L. 

Mo. Only a shilling, miss, for a cup of coffee, and I will tell your for- 
tune. 

Ros. Indeed ; I would like that, just splendid. Here is the shilling— all 
I have. [Drinks coffee and mother proceeds as before. 

Mo. Your's is wonderful and romantic. Your life will be one of clouds 
and sunshine; tears and sorrow ; poverty, plenty and great wealth. You 
will have two suitors, and experience great trouble in your choice. 

Ros. Is that all? 

Mo. All at present. When in doubt or trouble, come to me, and I will 
read the stars for you. I can see things away off, which this cup be too 
shallow to tell. The stars will reveal them, (.'ome some night. 

Ros. Indeed, that is too provoking. [Exits, R. 

Jack [ Yawning and rising] Well, this is gettin' to be dull business. You 
are making all the money, to-day, mother. You'le have to divy up for 
liquor pretty soon, unless I get some sucker fruit myself. Damn it, here 
comes (ine of your plodding Paddy's, that looks like he'd just stepped over 
from the tater patch on the other side of the pond. They never has nuthin'. 
[Retires to tree. 

Enter Miles, L., singvig and carrying small handkerchief bundle on end of stick. 

Miles. Hellow, ould ooman, phould yees be after telling a man, phere he 
was going to, bow far it was, and could he be after getting any work whin 
he rached the intinded point of his distination ? 

Mo. Yes, sir, I can tell you all about it. 

Miles. Thin, phoi the divil don't you spake out and not sit thare loike 
and auld stoomp to scur the life out of skittish horses. 

Mo. Give me a shilling, drink this cup of coffee, and I will tell jour 
fortune. ,, , 

Miles. Ah, the divil ye will. I can tell thot raeself for nothing. Does ye 
see that boondle of clane shirts ? {bundle on end of stick) That consists of me 



INTRIGUE. 3 

intire wardrobe of parsonal effects, except phat ye l)ehold adornin' me 
parson . 

Mo. Yes, but I will tell you what is to happen to yoii in the future. 
Would you like to know how much money you will have and how your wife 
will look? 

Miles. Bedad thot's purty cliver. I niver had a swate heart in all me 
loif, and phot sort of a looken animal she Avas oi phould loike to know, in- 
dade. Yees wos a quare ould ooman. Have you a hoosband? 

Mo. I am a widow. ' 

Miles. A phidder. {Aside) Phouldn't it be a good joke to marry this 
phidder, and thin me fortune phould be alrady tould. {Looks at her and 
shakes head) But I guess not, this time. She is too young and handsome. 
Somebody might run away wid her and lave me a phidder. {Takes money 
out of pocket book. Jack watches him). Her's the shilling. Fill the cup full 
and show me how yees tell these things. {Takes cup) Her's to the bloosh- 
ing maiden thot stands foruint me, and maj'^ she never grow ould. {Drinks. 
Hands cup to mother, who examines bottom) Hould on. Did I lave anything 
in thare. It must have been the swatenin. You musn't charge extra for 
that. (Aside) If that fortune she tells me be as wake as the coffee, I will 
surely doi in a poor-house. 

Mo. \_Takes cup and proceeds] You will be trusted with a great deal of — 

Miles. Money. 

Mo. Important business. 

Miles. Tnat's meself. 

Mo. You will do one great act of kindness for which you will be well 
rewarded. 

Miles. Yes, that's meself . 

Mo, You may never marry. 

Miles. That s—yes— maybe that was meself. Was that so, indade? Look 
agaia and see if you can't see some kind of a famale ghost for me. 

Mo. Then come close and observe. [ While Miles looks into cup. Jack, in the 
meantime having pulled off boots, slips to Miles' rear and steals pocket-book and 
retires to tree. 

Miles. Och, shame on yees. It's a black face. Does yees think I phould 
be after marrying a nagar. 

Mo. I can see a pale wan face peeping in Sit a window. 

Miles. Hould on wid yer. That will do. If it had been a swate faee at the 
phinder,she might do. I've seen ould poor horses stand around me bed at night 
while ould crows and buzzards were roosting on the posts, and phin I phould 
wake big, black snakes phould be in me butes in the morning. If I should 
see a pale wan face peeping in at the phinder at me, I would see ghosts or 
the divil himself phould have hould of me nixt. I bid yees good day me 
foine lady. [Exit. E. 

Jack. [Comes down rubbing pocket book] We'le not go to bed dry to-night 
mother. Swag, oh no. Let's go and moisten. Here comes a Dutchman; 
try him. [Retires. 

Enter Gust leading Nina, L . 

Gtist. Mine goot laty, ve peen loosj und vas hoonting a blaces ter stay. 
Can you tole us antyting apoud id ? 

Mo. I can tell you all about it and more too. Give me a shilling, drink this 
cup of coffee, and I will tell you what your whole life will be. 

Gust. 1 knows partly dat alreaty mineselve. Nina, maype she tole us 
somedings apout dose coundries. [Takes shilling from pocket-book and hands 
to mother, who proceeds as before. Jack again ^ulls off boots. 

Mo. Yours will be a wonderfully romantic future. You will take a great 
journey. 

Gust. I yoost done dot alreaty. 

Mo. You will fall in love. -• 

Gust. Veil I nefer done dot pefore, oxcebt mit mine leedle kister, Nina. 

Mo. You will part. 

Gust. Dot vas too pad. 



4 INTRIGUE. 

Mo. You will go far towards the setting sun, seeking a fortune. You will 
have many obstacles in your way. 

Oiist. "Vere vas der opstatles ? 

Mo. Come close and observe them. [While Gust is looking in cup, Jack 
slips behind and steals pocket book. 

Gust. 1 see nodings in dere oxcept dose plack grounds. 

Mo. That is all I can tell you at present. I will have to consult the 

Gust. I guess I done dot mineselve. I tlnk your fortune-telling vas like 
your coffee— a leedle too tin. Soosh foolishense will done for leedle shilt- 
reus. Come, Nina, lets gone from here. She looks like a vitches. [Exit. i?. 

Jack. I guess we'le have something stronger than cider now. [Produces 
the two stolen pocket-bonks] What a lovely pair. Foreign presents bestowed 
upon me by Ireland and Germaay. [Noise within by Miles] Here, mother, 
hide them away. [Mother hides pocket-books in her bosom]. 

Enter Miles, greatly excited, B. 

Miles. And did yees be after foinding a stfay pocket-book. Meintire 
fortune was locked up in it, consisting principally of a britches buckle, two 
horn buttons, a nadle and thrad and slip of paper, tilling whin and phere 
oi was born . [More noise within . 

Enter Gust, R. 

Gust. I loose me dot bocket pook. Can you tole me vhere I finds him? 

Jack. What do you all come to me for. I dou't know anything about 
your old empty pocket books. 

Miles. Ah, be dad, I smell amice. Say, Dutchie, I have lost wan, too. 
Did yees have a fortune tould here ? 

Gust. Dot vas so. 

Miles. Thin t.iis is a robbers nest. 

Gust. Vas dot so? 

Miles. Indade it is. A foineland of liberty this was, whin a furiner can't 
be on its soil forty-eight hours before he is stolen of his birth papers and 
money. Out wid 'em. 

Guet. I can vip dot olt vomans. 

Miles . Lave that job to me . 

Jack. Here, get out or I'll clean you both up. [Gust jumps in tray of cups 
and saxicers and smashes them, while Miles splits tray over Jack's head . 

CURTAIN. 



ACT I. 

SCENE I.— Geo. ■w;*:st's Law Officer:. 

[George discovered at table perusing Law Book. Rises and soliloquizes.} 

Geo. The law, and the requirement of fame therein, is a most arduous 
task of one's lifetime. And to succeed, one has to make a pleasant and 
entertaining compainon of such dry, old sticks as Blackstone, Coke and 
Littleton, buch old fossils as these are the dust of ages, whom we lawyers of 
the present day tread beneath our feet. We must have something of the 
vim and snap of shrewdness. Technicalities, rather than a practice of 
equity and precedents. Money ; money will purchase fame, and the sharp 
lawyer makes the money now days. When men get into the web of the law 
it is because of some difference of opinion, in regard to business matters : 
the opinion of the one or the other often depending on the amount to be 



INTRIGUE. 5 

lost or gaiaed, and not from a sense of right or wrong. When a client has 
a bad ease, but in the event of success he should gain that which does not 
belong to him, he retains the services of a lawyer, who like himself is on 
the make. A criminal, wiio has committed a crime and been arraigned 
before a bar of justice desires the services of a lawyer whose conscience is 
of the pliable Kind ; will believe him innocent, m-ake murder justihable 
homicide, and work with zeal lor his acquittal ; the amount o i the fee 
toutroling the attorney's belief in the innocence of his client and tempering 
the zeal exercised in his behalf [Knock at door] Ah, disturbed, in my 
reveries and plans of the future. Wiles! MiJesi [Door bell rings again] 
Miles, you sleepy headed rascal. [Enter Miles Jrom recess, yawning. 

Miles. Phat is it? 

Geo. See who is at the door, at once. [Miles obeys and returns. 

Miles. It is a woman, soir. 

Geo. t^how her m. 

Miles. Yes, but be dad, she may be after eolUcting the wash-bill. 

Geo. Show her in. I tell you. 

Miles, Indade I will. [Returns to door and bows in Miss Ollie and retires 
slowly to his quarters. 

Geo. Cousin Ollie. good morning. You rogue, you, to steal in upon me 
thus. "What on earth has brought you into a lawyer's office, 

Ollie. Well, Cousin George, as you well know I am not married, so it is 
not to consult you about a divorce, nor is h about a brc'ch of promise case , 
but simply through curiosity, to see what kind of estaolishments you old, 
crusty laAvyers Inhabit, and what it is that makes you all so cruel to the 
feelings of others, especially while in the court room. 

Geo. Well, you see the evidences around you. Here [pointing to books] 
are the old, dry, musty loaves on which we' lawyers feed.. When people 
will go into court asking for bread, we give them a stone— Blackstojie— and. 
sometimes we feed them on Coke. These digests are somewhat indigestible to 
most of our stomachs, hence we become dyspeptics, as it were, and expecto- 
rate our sourness into each others faces, until we become so warped in our 
opinions of inate honesty m human nature, that we believe all people to be 
alike, guilty and dishonest, until proven the contrary; even then denounc- 
ing as wrong, the verdict of our peers, and appeal to higher tribunals popu- 
larly called supreme courts, oftener noted for their suprem,e ignorance. 

Ollie. I do know I should nev^r marry a lawyer. I would demur to his 
pleadings, at once, and dismiss his suit before it got fail ly into court — ing. 

Geo. Ah, you little thief. Where did you steal all of that learning? Don't 
you want to borrow Bouvier's Law Dictionary? You are almost proficient 
enough to be admitted to the bar. 

Ollie. I ask not that privilege for myself, if you please, but for our sex, 
we ask the right. I, sir, have no ambition to become a dyspeptic, as you 
term yourselves. A woman's heart can only be made happy in the belief of 
innocence. I don't wish to spoil mine in your way. 

Geo. You are right, cousin. I have seen enough of the law, unless there 
should be better pay. Money, cousin, money. [Knock at door] Miles, Miles! 
[Ee-enter Miles as before] Attend the door. [Miles obeys and returns. 

Miles. A man wida note in his hand, soir. 

Geo. Why didn't you admit him? 

Miles. An bedad I didn't know but phat it was a bill for coal or gas he 
had wid 'im, soir. 

Geo. Receive the note. [Miles returns to door and brings note and hands to 
George, who reads it' while Miles retires. Ollie starting to go] Come again, cousin, 
I want to see you on business. 

Ollie. I don't desire a partner in the law business, but if it relates to 
counsel in regard to some other kind of partnership, to which you are not 
to be considered a party — for 1 don't like old bachelors — 111 come. [Exit. D. 

Geo. [Reading note] "Sir, your services are professionally required, im- 
mediately, at the residence of Elisha Miller. He is rapidly sinking, and 
desires that his will be written." Mow, perhaps, will the opportunity pre- 
sent itself. Old Elisha Miller is worth a quarter million dollars— an old 
bachelor— miser — no heirs apparent. This, indeed, is a big case, and may 
turn out the fee for which I have long been waiting. Wills hardly ever 



6 INTRIGUE. 

stick, especially, if the legacy be large. Estates never go begging ♦for the 
want of inheritors. Miles! [Re-enter Miles] Put up the books and close 
the office- [Exit. D. 

Miles. Oih. bedad. that was aquareman. I've been working for him 
now these saveral months, and he pays me on flattery. Says that I would 
make a foin lawyer meself. Not a bit of it. I tried this here Blockstone 
phat said something about John Doe vs. (which in law means fornint) Rich- 
ard Roe. The divii himself couldn't make it out. [Going over hooks] There 
was chitty's Pladings, Kt^nt's Commentaries, Ram on Fiicts— Ah, the divil 
pother fhem, [Puts up hooks] I phould lave this law bizness, for I don't 
like the kind of prartiee I have, hut I belave something w?is going to happen 
and 1 will stay and see it out. Phen I see a good looking woman like that 
one in the office this morning, there is going to be trouble to somebody. 
Well I guess I'll lock oop and go and coonsult that motherly ould forttine 
teller again . The better she gets acquainted phid me the more she tells me 
about meself. [Locks office and retires singing. 

SCENE II— Yard in Front ofRosena's House. Nina discoyered playing. 

Nina. Won't I he glad, though, when I grow up to be a big girl, so that I 
can help brother Gust. Then I can go out into the harvest field with him, 
like Rosena does. I know brother likes^me. for I am the only sister he has on 
earth and we are two lonely orphans, our mother dying in Germany when 
I was a little bit of a baby. But I am getting jealous of Rosena Brother 
is with her nearly all the time, and he is loving her, too. Now you just 
waich him when they come home from the field. Here they come now. 
[Oust and Rosena singing in the distance. 

See the merry farmer boy, tramp the meadows through. 

Swinging his" hoe in careless joy. while dashing off the dew. 

Bobolink in maples high, trills his notes of glee, 

Farmer boy a gay reply, now whistles cheerily. 

[All whistle the chorus. 

Enter Gust and Rosena, C, he carrying reaping cradle, she a sheaf of wheal. 

Gust. Hare ve peen to hime againt, Nina, und a goot tay's vork, 
Eosena und minselves hef layet oop to der Lort— y marcy how diret I vas. 

Rosena. And indeed, Nina, a good day's work it has been. The harvest 
is finished and we did it all by ourselves. 

Nina [Aside] Yes. and I believe they are sorry it didn't last till Christmas 
so they could be together all the time. I wish I had a little feller to be with 
me all the time. No i don't. Gust is my only brother and there is nobody 
else as good as him. [Retires to rear. 

Rosena. How is papa, Nina ? 

Nina. He has been resting easily all day. 

Rosena. I'll step in and see him. [goes within. 

Gust. Vel, how diret I vas. I done like to see Rosena vorking in der 
hafvest fielt anty more. Olt Chon Miller, hern fater, vas all creepled oop 
mit der roomatics, like dot, und can do nodings poot sit orount, eat and feed 
his jaisery. Dot olt, vealty, pachelor prooder ouf his, whose name peen 
Elisha— und he has peeg vads of moneys— he ought to sent some poteys down 
hare to help do der vork. Ash der harfest vas now feenished, I peen vants 
to go ouet Vest, young mans, und see der gountry grows oop. I done vants 
to vork mineselve into coffin, mit der oondertaker's shop and go mit der 
grafeyards, yoost for a leedle bits of moneys- 1 vants to peen ritch und I 
goin to done it too, und done you forgot it. Rosena peen der bestest 
frow forn somepoty's vat all I knows apouet und I vouldu't gare I peen 
some glose connections mit her ash a hoospant. I dinks, ven she come 
bank, I tole her on mineselve, ouf I ton't plush too much. 

Nina. [Laughing] And what a good joke that will be. 

Gust. You tog on leedle vitches, I taut all der vile I peen dalking mid 
mineselves und dot you vas in der house mit Rosena. 

Nina, [going to Gust.] No. brother, don't hate me. I've been waiting to 
learn your secret, and now that I know it, I hope my good brother will not 
think hard of me for what I have done. 



INTRiaUE. 7 

Gust. Nodings could make me tink mad mit you. I vas only plagued— 
dot ish kind a pashful mit ralneselve— ven I saw you hare und listen to vat 
I say apoutmineselve und Rosena. [Takes Nina on knee.'\ Dare shall pe no 
secrats mit us. You vas too leedle to know anty dings ven our mooter diet 
und left you alone mit me. Somedimes ven I peen sleep, I treams dat she 
comes town all ter vay from Hefen, dressed like angel, goes to der ped vere 
you vas sleep, leans ofer und kisses you on der foreheat. like dot. und den 
she come und vi.sper in mine ear so glose I can feel her breath ven she say, 
yoost like der night she diet, " Gust, my good boy, take care mit leedle 
Nina. " she den fly avay und I vake oop und vas crying. Nina, I haf learn 
you all you know. Ven you vas a leedle fellows, like dot high, you vould 
gry like plitzen. Den I vould take some leedle lumps ouf sugar und tie 
oop mit a rag. und poot indo your mouth. Dare vould peen no more grying 
ash long ash dat sugar vould last, I bet you. I guess dots vets makes you 
so sweet. 

Nina. Then you love some one else besides Rosena. I was afraid you 
was going to forget me, for you said that you was going away out West. 
What will become of me? 

Gust. {Am,de) Dot vas a fact. Dot vas de vorstest gonsiteration of der 
whole pizness. (Aloud) Vouldn't you like to stay mit Rosena, vile I peen 
gone? I vas coming pack again. 

Nina. Yes, brother, if Rosena will let me, bmtit will be mighty lonesome 
without you. 

Gust. Dot vas a goot leedle kister, and may the hefenly smiles of our 
mooter efer keep pack der lines of sorrow from your sweet face. 

Be enter Rosena. 

Rosena. Papa is very well this evening and I feel in better spirits now. 
]^Songs and recitations ad lib.'] 

Gust. Vot you say to a leedle valtz ? 

Rosena and Nina. Oh ! a waltz, a waltz ! [Both waltzing. 

Gust. Vait for me und der music. [All waltz until Gust gives out and sits 
down.] I pen tiret out mit dot valse. Ouf she only stop I tole her apout 
mineselves. [Catches Rosena. sits her down but she slips away and still waltzes. 
Gust takes reaping cradle and throius around her, she taking hold of the handle 
and they continue the waltz in imitation of cutting wheat. He seats her and holds 
cradle still in front of her.] You look so sveet in doc cradle. Say, leedle 
Nina ? 

Nina. {Aside) I know what he is going to say. (Aloud) What, brother? 

Gust. Id vas growing late. You hat petter poot some of dot leedle petts 
on. 

Nina. Ah, ha. I saw chickens out there just now that hadn't yet gone to 
roost. But then, when young folks grow spoony, old folks and little folks 
must go to bed early. [Exit. C. 

Gust. Rosena, I loves you— likes to valse, done you ? 

Rosena. Indeed, I do. [Tryiny to getup. ■ 

Gust. Now holt cm. I like somepoty better as I done a valse, und Rosena, 
I vants to tell you I peen going to Californias. [Releasing her. 

Rosena. Gust, what do you tell me? (Aside) I expected it some day. 
Can it be possible that he has made up his mind to leave ? Indeed, it can 
not be. {Commencing to cry. 

Gust. Now done you gry, or I gry mineselve some. I gome pack agaiat 
ven I peen a reech man, ouf you bromise me— dot ven I gome— dot you vill 
peen— here ven I gome. 

Rosena. When are you going to start? 

Gust. Dright strate avay in der morning. 

Rosena. Will you let Nina stay with me, for then I know you will come 
back to us again ? 

Gust. I vould leave her mit no potty else put you, for I know you vill 
make her your leedle kister, too. I must go and got oop my glodings und 
ouf you lofe me, you peen here early in der mornings, pefore it vas goot 
taylight und der soon vas not oop, und I tole you goot py. Eosena, give 



8 INTBIGUE. 

me dot bicture of yours. I vill peen gone dree years und I vants to see your 
sweet face efery days vile I peen gone. [Exit. C. 

Eosena. I cannot bear to see iiim go. By association, I have learned to 
love bim: ; for who, when they should once know him, could resist the in- 
fluences of a heart that is so kind and big. But neither tears nor love's 
persuasion could make him stay after his mind has once determined. I will 
go, return early in the morning with the picture, and bid him good bye, 
though how sad and sorrowful it will be. [Exit. C. 

Enter George. L. 

Geo. He, he. All right this time. A better coup de etat was not per- 
formed by either of the. Napoleons. But, unlike theirs, mine shall never be 
overwhelmed by a Waterloo. As this fortunate house lay in my way, and 
as I was deputized to do, I thought I would drop in and impart the sad— 
though fortunate news to this family— of the death of old Elisha Miller, and 
that Rosena, niece to the deceased, has succeeded, by will, to his estate, and 
I, George West, attorney-at-law, am executor of the will and guardian of 
the estate of the aforesaid Miss Rosena Miller. fLooks at watch.] As it is 
quite late in the evening, perhaps I had better defer 'till morning. I will 
then spare them a night's rest and give myself time for reflection, how I 
shall best proceed in the manner of attending to the interests of my ward, as 
well as that of my own. I wrote the old man's will with a will, and thanks be 
to the swift winged messenger of death, he died in ten minutes after it was 
signed. George West, attorney-at law, executor of the will, guardian of a 
large estate, belonging to a fine young girl, just turned fifteen, with no re- 
lations to interfere and no questions were asked. [Exit. B. 

Enter Miles. L. 

Miles. Phere the divil did that crazy fellow go to ? I do belave he has 
gone crazy within the last few hours. There was a lunattic woman at the 
office waiting to consult him about a divorce, because her ..husband was so 
ugly that the artist could not take his picture. 1 took an advantage of the 
occasion and proposed to her on the spot, providing she got her divorce, and 
would you belave me, she gave me the bag ? Said that I was no improvement 
on her present misfortune. I tould her that I was a lawyer meself and that 
her case would not stick. She flew in a most terrible rage and told me to go 
to the divil and I went in sarch of Mr. West. But ould Nick himself could not 
kapeupwid'im to-night. Hemustbegomgcrazy or is planning a robbery,for 
he come down the road just ahead of me, walking like the divil and talking to 
himself about money, money, money. I'lt ioUy him oop, aud if there is 
any money to be had, I think I am capable meself of appraciating its value 
to the amount of a few dollars. [Exit E. 

Enter Gust, G., with traveling grip. Early dawn. 

Gust. I don't like to lefe her vile Nina vas so small und olt man Mille^ 
vas so pad. But I helps dem ven I gomes pack from Californias. I pring dem 
lods of moneys. Ven I tole olt man Miller goot py he say : "Gust, you peen 
goot poy und may der sbirits vatcb ofer you und pring you pack againt." 
I feel so foony about it dot I vas grying. [Clock strikes. Ee-enter Eosena. C] 
Dot peen a nice, pooty girl, vat you vas. Rosena, vat you say apout some 
dings vat I tole you ? Vill you bromise dot you vill vait mit der dree years 
vas out for me to coom pack to you ? 

Eosena. I promise you. Here is the picture; {gives picture) there my 
hand, {gives hand) and with it my whole heart. 

Gust. Rosena, I yoost so happy ash nefer I vas. I vants you to take good 
care mid leedle Nina. I vill poot your bicture mit dot von. Dot peen my 
mooter. [Eosena takes it, kisses it and returns it.} Veu I vas a poy und Nina 
a wee papy, across der vide ocean, in der fater landt, und our mooter peen 
tying on her ped— Got in Hefen bless her goot oldt soul— she lay her hsnd 
on my heat, like dot, und mit accents loud and firm she say ; " Gust, my 
tarling poy, ven you peen grown oop. go to der United States ouf America, vere 
dere is liperty for der poor and oomple ash veil ash for der ritch und aristograt." 



INTRIGUE. ?' 

Dot'svilpeen here. Rosena, darlint. tlnk ouf ycur poor frieiidt ven he 
peen gone. He vill gome agaiut, not as he vonce dit, to your fater's hous •. 
a poor, orphan^ poy, Jioonting for vork, poot a pig, rich man, to spend der 
rest ouf hees tays in beace as yourn huspant, und peen happy mit you forn 
life. Goot py, darlint [Kisses her and starts. 

Enter Nina ( C) dressed in night gown. 

Nina. Ob, my darling brother, I could not sleep all night, when you told 
tne good bve. 1 heard vour voice out here and I jumped cut of bed and ran 
for fear I would not see you again, Teil me good bye once more, [kneeling.] 

Oust. It vould pe cruel to dink it, poot ouf dot leedle bright vone vas m 
hefen, vota sweet leedle cheerup she vould make forn our mooter up dere. 
Goot py, Nina, {Kisses her.) Dot vas more as I could say. [Retiring. E. 

CURTAIN, 



ACT II. 



SCENE— Flat on Rollers Repeesenting the Plains, Foot Hills and 
Rocky Mountains in the Distance. 

Enter Gust, K., leading pack mule or donkey. 

Gust. Vay, Chan wary. {Talking to mule,) How vas you? I peen raueh 
diret ouetmineselve, valkingall dese six veeks from Sauk Louis.verel getfeoff 
der poat from Peetsburg. bese blains vas so vide ouet ve neter gone aon ss 
him, heh. De beoples vats ve meets say dem Inguns arount here und I guess 
ve peiter vatch a leedle ouet. deh.^ 

[^Scene shifts on rollers and wild animah of the plains are intro- 
duced. The animals being made of papier mache, life size, or of 
wires covered ivith the skins of animah represented. They must he 
-so constructed that their heads and legs can be worked by wires across 
hack of stage, their feet receiving the stepping motion by striking 
against projecting studs counter-sunk on the stage floor j as the body 
of t >e animal is drawn across stage on supporting wires. First ani- 
mal entered is a wolf.l 

Gust. Vol vas dot. 1 guess I shoots him [While taking gun off of pack 
mule, wolf runs off from L. to R.] Dot vas only a tog. He vasn't goot to eat 
no vay. [Antelope is presented. L.] Now I got him I pets you dees tim'^s. 
[Gust slips up behind mule, levels gun across pack and fires, the rebound of gun 
laying him on his back. Antelope runs off, R.] Say, Chan wary, vat you done 
dot for? You kick me dot vay againt and ve peen not acquaintance anty 
more. Now you see dot animal got avay yoost pecause ouf dot treek you 
blayed on me. Dot makes seferal occasions you done me dot vay. 

[Buffalo eiders. L.] 

Vot der tiful vas dot ? I peen afrait ouf I done shoot heem, he get avay 
mit us. Look how 1 vas a shaking. Poot I vas not skared, vas I Chanwary? 
Say, Chanwary, ouf I done hit him dese dime's, und he run after oos. you 
keek him like you done me. [Tunis back to animal and cocks gun,} I vas so 
trembling I peen afrait I not hit heem. Poot I vas not scared, vas T Chanwary? 
Now ouf I could shoot dright queek und choomp on Chanwary. [While 
shaking, the gun goes off accidentally, kicks him backwards and buffalo runs over 
him. Rises.'l Vere vas I Chanwary ? Dot vas better ash you done it. 



1!) INTRIGUE. 

[Enter Traveler. L.] 

Trav. Hello, captain, you had better get up and dust back the other way- 
The Indians are capturing all of the emigrants who travel on this road, 
You had better turn back and go up the South Platte towards Pike's Peak. 

Gust. Ish dot some jacdts you tola me, und dey keel efery poteys? 

Trav . Yes, nearly every body who travel this road. I was the only person 
who escaped out of a party of twelve men and two women. I was shot 
through the coat tail with this arrow. [Shoivs arrow. 

Gu9t. Ha. ha, ha, dot vas so fooney. You rooned und dey shoots you 
mid dot Slick— der ramrots mit a goon. I gone aheat. I peen not afrait. 

Trav. Hold on. You will be killed and get your head peeled. See how 
sharp the point of this arrow is. 

Gust. [Exajnining arrow .] Ooch! Dot peen so? He vas sharp, 

Trav. They shoot them from bows with such force, that they will go clear 
through a man at a distance of two hundred yards. 

Gust. Lef me see. Ven I peen down here der roat fork out like dot. f 
inspect I vast not trafel der right roat. 

Trav. The lower is the military road and is well protected with soldiers. 

Gust. Yah, dot vas so, I taut all der vile I peen not dright. So I yoost 
gone pack und trafel mit dot ooter roat. You gone dot vay ? 

Trav. All right. I'll go back with you to the forks of the road. 

Gust. Gome along queek. I valks mighty fast somedimea. Gone aheat 
Chanwary, [All exit. E. 

Enter Indian chief, L.j on pony, followed by squad of Indians. 
They discover tracks of Gust and Traveler ^ make signs and exit, 
E. Indians yell within. 

Gust. [Within.] Gome aheat, gome aheat, I pen here first. 

Oust enters, L., onmule. Indians enter from both sides, yelling, and 
surround him. Gust jumps off of mule, comes to front, followed 
by chief. 

Gust. 1 no likes dot fellers. I peen not acquaintance mit him. 

Chief. How. 

Gust. Nix fern stay. 

Chief. How. Nje big Comanche— friend— white man. 

Gust. Ish dot so. I likes dot flrsdrateyou lule me ^o. 

Chief. Tobac ? 

Gust. Yah, I got top'icker. Do you vants to smoke a leedle? 

Chief. Heep-good-whtte man. 

Gust. Dot vas so too. VVho lote you dot? 

Chief. Pipe. [Produces long stem pipe.'] Sraoke-calumet. 

Gust, Der gal y 'U met. Mister, you mistook ray sexes. [Chief fills pipe 
from Gust's tobacco ] Y^ou vants me to smoke mit you ? You vas a nice ret 
colored chentlemens vats I like and 1 done it, [They all sit in a circle and 
pass the pipe around.] Dat vas a fooney vay to schmoke, done it? {Aside) 
I no likes der gountenauces of dese fellers such mooch. 1 fonder how I 
gone away from 'em ? I yoost see if dey cna't all sing a leedle song. {Aloud 
Can you all sing a leedle song mit a tance ? 

^Indians all grunt assent. They form a. half circle and go through 
the Indian song and da'^ice. The chief brandishes knife and toma- 
hawk and bounds to the centre. Gust jumps on chief s pony and runs 
q^, R. Indians all try to get on pack mide to pursue him, while 
some run after him on foot. A trick mule would answer the better pur- 
pose here. They all finally get started on the chase, yelling, and, 
pursue Gust across stage from L. to R. several times, he finally escap- 
ing with coat tail and cap pierced with arrows. 

CURTAIN. 



INTRIGUE. 11 

ACT III. 

SCENE— Stueet. 

Enter George, L. 

Geo, Well, it has been quite awhile since I told Rosena of her good for- 
tune, but she sniveled so much about her old dead uncle, it was useless to 
say anything then about the plans for the future. It is said, though, that 
success demands instantaneous action, and my success in this case depends, 
in a great measure, upon the instantaneous death of old John ufiller. Miss 
Rosena's rheumatic father. I don't want him around in the way any 
longer while administering on so large an estate, and attending to the 
affairs of so promising a ward as is Miss Rosena. 

Enter Ollie, R. 

Ollie. Good morning. Cousin George. You look quite sad. Is there any- 
thing Lean do for you ? 

Geo. Yes, cousin. You have ever been a good, confidential friend of mine, 
and I have a part, on the stage of life, for you to play. A little meKJdrama, 
as it were, and I want vou to play it to the life. 

01. Well, what is it ? 

Geo. You know Miss Rosena Miller. 

01. Yes, sir. 

Geo. Well, I want you to become very friendly to her. Be her confiden- 
tial adviser in her present bereaved moments of distress. You understand. 
And I want you to tell her that I love her, and note how she receives it and 
what she says. 

01. What, George, you don't mean to flirt with that poor girl, do you ? 

Geo. Ask not my intentions. Obey me. Play your part, and mind that 
you play it well. I will be back shortly and wish to see you further in re- 
gard to this matter. [Exit, E. 

01. This is something new and a delicate matter at that. I don't under- 
stand what it means. I would not be instrumental in harrring poor Rosena 
for anything, nor for the sake of anyone in the world. She is a good, kind 
girl, and if I really thought Cousin George's motives in this were improper, 
I would not undertake it. But, like the majority of our sex, my curiosity 
has been excited, and I must see what is his intent. I will just step over 
that way. [Exit, R. 

Enter Nina, L. George, R. 

George. {Aside) That is the little orphan that is living with Miss Rosena. 
She don't seem to take very kindly towards me. I will try to make a pet of 
her. She may be of service to me. {Aloud) Say, my sweet little one, come 
lets go and gather some flowers. I like pretty little girls like you. 

JSina. You ought to be ashamed of yourself, you ugly, mean man. 
Grandpa Miller is dying, and you coming around trying to make love to 
Miss Rosena. Don't look at me. I hate you. [Exit. L. 

Geo. Not much assistance to be obtained from her source. I think I will 
have to send her to some foundling asylum to get her out of the way. I 
have it. She shall not be greatly harmed. Jack Hunt is just the man for 
the emergency. I'll return and see him. [Exit towards R, and meets Ollie 
returning.] Well, cousin, what success. How is my little birdie ? Do you 
think we can succeed in getting her into my cage ? Why, what's the matter 
with you ? You look almost as mournful as did Miss Rosena herself, the 
last time I was to see her. I begin to fear that your recently assumed confi- 
dential relationship with her has become a reality, and that you are par- 
taking of the same disposition as she, of late. 

01. Cousin George. I have been performing a sad duty. 

Geo. Well, I should Judge so. 

01. I have been waiting on the dead. 

Geo. The dead ! Who the devil is dead now ? 



12 INTRIGUE. 

01 Rosena's father breathed his last a few inoments ago. 

Geo, Well, I am very sorry . But people will die; so there is no use of 
sniveling about it. Rosena is still alive, though. We had better defer our 
little scheme a day or so. In the meantime you comfort her all you can. 
Give her this little some of money, {hands money] advanced from her own 
estate, that it may decently bury the dead, and yet not make too much of a 
display over the obsequies. {^Aside) You must sow if you would reap. Ta, 
ta. {Exit R, 01. L. 

SCENE II. 
Rosena's home. Nina discovered consoling Rosena. 

Ros. 'Tis hard, 'tis indeed unbearable Not long ago I parted with Gust, 
who will not return for a good many months, perhaps never. Then the 
death of dear, old Uncle Elisha, and now that of my father. Were it not 
that Gust still lives, I should wish that i too, might sleep in the same cham- 
ber of eternal night w^th them. Can I, must I, live on hope alone? Will I 
ever be left thus, to mokli alone, solitary ! sorrowful ! friendless ! 

Nina. Am I so smalt, that you think I haven't a heart large enough for 
grief or^ympathy ? Sister Rosena, for you shall ever be my sister after this, 
let me fiieer you, wont you ? 

Ros. [Kissing her] You are the only light now left in our darkened home, 
to illume the gloom of sorrow. 

Enter Ollie, C. 

01. I have come to cheer yo«i up. Mis* Rosena, and also my cousin, Mr. 
West, sends his sympathies. 

Nina. The villain ! 

01. And do you know. Miss Rosena, I sometimes believe that he is in 
love with you. 

■Ros. Oh, Miss West, spare my feelings. I know Mr. West has been good 
tome, helped me when I needed it most, but you must not meniiou the 
subject again. 

OL. Well, but didn't you ever love anybody? Why not talk about it? 
There can be no harm in expressing our sentiments on such subjects. I'm 
quite sure. We all like to talk about our sweethearts ; at leasi 1 do about 
mine. We would almost die if we were compelled to be silent. 

Ros. I shall never love but once. 

01. And whom do you love, then ? 

Ros. The sadness of the hour should occasion us to speak the truth. He 
is far away towards the setting of the sun, and his heart is as pure and rich 
as its golden rays . 

Nina. [ With hands clasped as in prayer] Amen ! 

Ros. I will give you no name. Come, let us walk into the garden, I feel 
oppressed. [All exit, C. . » 

SCENE III-Street. 

Enter Jack, L. 

Jack. [Displaying ragged suit for little boy] I guess them will about fit 'em. 
Kidnapping kids is mere child's play, if yer know how to do it. Mother an me 
have caught enough to start a first-class foundling asylum. Wait till I get 
the little female kid in these garments and her parents wouldn't know her. 
That Mr. West is a purty dog goned clever feller. I wouldn't mind taking 
him in as a partner of mine. Now fer biz. [Exit, R. 

Enter George, L. 

Geo. I wonder what my ward thinks of me. I am getting Impatient, 
Now that all of the feeble ones are out of the way, we will have no breakers 
on our voyage, and I hope the conquest will be made by sailing over a 
smooth sea. i guess people will think I make her a pretty latherly looking 
guardian. I suppose by this time Jack has done his work. 



INTRIGUE. 13 

Filter OlUe. E— greatly excited. 

01. Oh, Cousin George, what do you think, 

Geo. [Leisurely meditating] v\ ell— I— dont— know. 

01. Little Nina has committed suicide. She left her clothes on the bank 
of the river and jumped in, while Kosena and I were gathering flowers. 

Geo. Indeed! Quite a romantic ending for one so young. Miss Rosena 
1 hope, was not quite so romantic as to follow suit? 

01. She is nearly distracted. 

Geo. Not about me, I hope. 

01. You haven't the sj'mpathy of a cat. You needn't go about her any 
more . 

Geo. What now? 

01. Previously engaged. 

Geo. A previous engagement. Who is the objective personality of my 
opposition ? 

01. Somebody away out West. She would tell no name. I must go 
home and hurry back to Rosena. [Exit, L. 

Geo. I'll fix that business at once. I rather suspected as much . Being 
her guardian I propose to have more than a voice, but a hand in this matter. 
Now for a shoit interview with trusty Jack Ward. He is an old forty-niner, 
and knows all about California. But first I must return and start Miles out 
to raising the neighborliood towards helping to find the body of the poor, 
drowned child. Boo, hoo, hop ! [Exit, L 

Enter Jack, R, with Nina dressed in boys' suit, with handkerchief tied around jaws. 

Jack. Now, kid, you jest squeal once and into the devil's den you go. He, 
he, he, a dozen fools have met me and told all about the child's drowning 
itself, [ililes ringing dinner belt and hallooing, lost child, within] What crazy 
fool is that ? 

Enter Miles, L, ringing and hallooing. 

Jack. Here, you crazy fool, what do you mean ? 

Miles. An phat do I mane? A shild has jumped into the river and 
drowned. She was a beautiful famale shild about the size of that boy, soir, 
and I want the paples to turn out in a congregation and sarch for her miss- 
ing body . [Starts ringing and hallooing , 

Jack. Here, stop that noise. Let me show you how to ring that bell, that 
will make three times as much noise as that. 

Miles. Faith, and that is what I'm after doing— getting a grate deal of 
noise out of it. I wouldn't care if I were a whole cathedral of bells. [Hands 
Jack the bell, who steps to the left and throws it into the river.] Phat for you do 
that ? 

Jack. I thought to soak the bell awhile in the river it would ring better, 
when you fish it out. 

Miles. [Pulling off his coat pugilistically] Mister, T niver went a fishing in 
me loife, but I want that bell out of that river. If j^ou don't leap in and 
get it 1 will take your dirty carcass for bait to fish it out wid. 

Jack. He, he, he. Do you see this little chap here ? 

Miles. Yes, I see that little chap thare, and I propose to do your jaw up in 
a sling just like his. 

Jack. You don't know what is the matter with that 6hild. He's got the 
mumps. 

Miles. [Greatly excited] The mimps. [Exit in hurry, E. 

Jack. Ha, ha, ha. Stratagim thou art quite muscular on some occasions. 
Now, kid, you must go down here with mother, and let me give you some 
advice. If you ever attemp to tell or ren away, your ears will be split and 
the devils witches will keep after you until you die Walk on. [Exit L. 

Enter George, R 

Geo. Jack did his work well. Now, if he can only succeed as happily 
with the California business. The Union Pacific road has been finished, 
and it will take but a few days to reach the Rocky Mountains. Ah, here 



14 INTRIGUE. 

comes Jack now. [Enter Jack, L ] You are a good one. [Shaking hands and 
laughing. 

Jack. Them kids are no trouble. Wait until you try to move a regular 
duffer. 

Geo. By the way, Jack, I have a little trip for you. How would you like 
to go to California on a little business. 

jack. That's just my hand. I been wanting to go out thar all summer, 
but didn't have the stuff. I know every diggin' in Califorhia. Is it a pav 
job? 

Oeo. You will be well rewarded if you succeed. I have written full 
instructions ; here they are. [Hands papers] Also contains a contract. Here 
is money for your current expenses. I want you to start to-night. 

Jack, t can do it. I have a good old pal in the Rocky's, by the name of 
Bill Hunt. I will hunt him up as soon as I land, and tlien to biz. Ta. ta, 
Mr, West. 

Geo. Success to your undertaking. Jack. lExit both, Jack R, and Geo. L. 

SCENE IV. 
Gusfs Camp in moimtains. Enter Gust, C, carrying mining tools. 

Gust. Vel I peen here all dright now. I yoost vish Rosena could se n me, 
how I vork forn her in d^se golt mines. I peleef I gatch a fortune yed pefore 
der dree years dimes gones arount, yen T gone pack to Pennsylwania. I pet 
you I do.' [Enter Chin Sin, L.] Vat peen dot. Vas der vitches apout ? Vat 
a dails he got und dose long finger nails. I'd most peen kinfolks mitt dgr 
tiefel. 

Sin. Washee heap, Melican man's shirtee. 

Gust. Yah. I tole you so I'd peen a vasher voman's. I fonder vot Rosenia 
say she see me here, allalone, onprotected mit dose vasher vomans. I in- 
spec Rosena vould make some jeaiisense mit me. Maype id sing petter ash 
she dalk. Vould yon sUjig a leedle song? 

Sin. Chin Sin singee Melican Dutchman leedle songee. [Sings Song.} 

Gust. Dot peen foorstrate. Petter ash I done it myselves. 

Hn. Play die ploke, Melican Dutchman? 

Gust. Blay die bloke. Vat der tiefel vas dot? [Sin begins to shuffle pack 
of cards] T now see vat he say. I pet you I blays dot boker {Aside) I 
nefer blays mooch mitt any potty pefore, poot 1 can peet a fellers like dot. 
He vas a soocker. ' [They spread blanket, sit down and commence. Sin dealing. 
Gust shows his hand to light and has four aces and a king. They bet all they have. 
Sin throws down his hand, pockets money. Giist takes Siii's hand to light— five aces] 
I nix fornstay dees peesness. I dinks now I knows who dot fellers peen una 
for vays dot peen tark, und driks dot peen wain, he has some vays dot vas 
beculiar. Mister, led me spoke to you. [Takes Sin by collar.] Now you geef 
dot moneys ouet or I makes some droubles mit you. [In the scuffle Sin runs 
out of his coat [E.cit, L.] Gust examines the sleeves turning them, insidB out, from 
which quite a number of packs of cards fall to the floor. 

SCENE V— Highway. 

Enter Jack Ward and Bill Hunt, R. Enter Sin, L., on run. 

Jack. Hold up, pig-tail John. [Points pistol at Sin. 

Sin. Inotalkee. Inofightee. 

Jack. Trow up your hands. [Sin obeys and they proceed to rob him. After 
taking money Jack throws Sin off stage, R.] Bill, 1 thonght I smelled a rat, 
aufl this one ha-* just run out of the hole. It is a good vein and one that 
will pan out well, if successfully worked. He. he. Now, old boy, be yee 
true, as in the past— and ye are a kmife with such high nittal that ye never 
need grinding. You know that Dutchie who worked down here on the 
drain of the Gulch? Well, he mane money, I am told, but had to give up ' 
his station, and' since then has sunk a shaft on the north side of the moun- 
tain, between the Big Horn and Little Thunder — calls it the Heidelberg, 
and is making it all along. I have a very good contract, in which there is 
money, for his dispo^^al— put him out of the way mysteriously, you know. 
But lets work him for all he is worth beforehand, &o lets tap him. 



INTRIGUE. 16 

Bill. All right. How shall we proceed? 

Jack. Make out like we own the claim and blackmail him. Leave the 
job to me, I'le tip him. You attend to outside business. He may be along 
here pretty soon after that Chinaman, for I know what has ha,ppened. Ah, 
here he comes now. 

Enter Gust, L. 

Gust. Good evening, yentlemens. How you vas. [The robbers shake hands 
with him and hold on to their grip on each hand. 

Jack. Hold on, fat and jolly Dutchie ; we have a little business with 
you. 

Gust. Vel gom down to mine houes. 

Bill. We will not go just yet. See that ? [Presents pistol. 

Gtist. Toorn dot beestle avay. Id might gone off. 

Jack. Be still, or you are a dead man. Why have you gone and jumped 
our claim? For ten cents I would skin you. [Produces knife. 

Gust. I yoomp no glaims. 1 puy dot glaims f ron anooter mans. 

Jack. He never oM^ned it. We are the owners and you have got to get off 
or we will hang you. Let him go. Bill, and if he starts to run, shoot him. 

Gust. Ivantroon. I vant roon. 

Jack. How much did you pay that man for our claim? 

Gu^t. Tree hoondret und dirty-doo toller. 

Jack. Well, sir, if you will pay us the same, you may have it. If you 
don't, we will have the vigilants to hang you for a thief. 

Gust. Oh, der vigilants. I give you all der moneys vat I gots. 

Jack. All right. Give us that and we will call again for the remainder. 
Shell out. 

Gust. Here id vas— dwo hoontret und sexty toller. 

Jack. Now, Dutchie, hunt up the balance. Mind, after this, how you 
buy claims. 

Gust. I pet you I minds dot. Poot I vould like to hef some writen apout 
dese laud p-esness. 

Jack. Well, Bill, we will make him out a deed. I have one of our blanks 
here in my pocket. Fill it out for him. [Bill fills out blank, they both sign it, 
and give it to Gust. 

Gust. Tank yoti, yentlemens. 

Jack. Hold up those hands until we get out of sight. [Gust holds up hands] 
Good bye, Dutchie. Ta, ta. We hope to meet you again . [Exit, L. 

Gu^t. Vel, I done hope so much ash dot. Dey seart my life ©uet ven dey 
show dot bistals und powie knife. Poot I peen no more afrait ash 1 
vas. Dotfoorst manshe dreat me pad. He solt me glaims ven he don't 
got some. I keel heem ven I seen him. Dese dwo vellers, dey vas awful 
mat mit me. poot I could nix helfa. I taut I vas dright. I got some writen 
fron dese vellers. I yoost reat dose leedle instruments. [Reads] " Know 
all men by these presents, (dot vas not a bresent, I buys him) dot ve, this 
day grant, pargain und sell unto Gust Goldschmidt, Dutchman, {Dot vas me) 
all our 1 ight, title and interest in any land which belongs to us, and he may 
find. {I pet you I finds him alreaty) We furthermore, in consideration of 
$72. money yet due us, agree that if he will pay the same, not to kill the 
said Gust Goldschmidt, Dutchman, (dot surely vas not me) but grant him fur- 
ther life. Done on the highway and in a neat and substantial manner, this 
the first day and time.we ever met him, the said Gust Goldschjaidt, Dutch- 
man, on professional business. Jack Ward, Bill Hunt." I no like dot 
writen. 1 pel'^fe dey blay some foollshense mit me. Schtop a leedle. I vas 
oufteiidimes pefortj here apout dot Jack Vard und Peel Hoont.und dey vas der 
vorstest roppers in der whole countries I yoost so mat mit mineselve I peen 
such a fools, I tout vants auty potys to know dot I hef any beesness dran- 
sactious mid dese Jack Vard and Peel Hoont. [Tears up deed] I yoost go 
home und says moom to efery potys vat I speaks to apouetit. [Exit, JB. 

Re-enter Jack and Bill. 

Jack. Sh. Darker work and better pay. We are on the way to fortune. 
Don't you want to hear the contract. [Reads] **To whom it may concern : 



16 INTRIGUE. 

Know ye, that I, George West, of the State of Pennsylvania, have this day 
placed to the credit of Jack Ward, the sum of $2000, In the Occidenial Bank 
of California, to be paid him on considerations verbally stipulated between 
myself and the said Jack Ward." That is sufl&cient. I fully understand 
the conditions. We are to kill that Dutchman. That is, put him out of the way 
mysteriously. There is no use of delaying the job. I think the best plan 
will be to tie him in his cabin and burn it down on him. 

Bill. Yes, that is best, and besides it will seem like there hadn't been 
foul play dealt, by consuming his carcass and destroying evidences of his 
former existence. 

Jack. Remember then that we will catch him in his cabin, muzzle his 
mouth, secure him with ropes, bar the door, and send the whole thing iip 
in smoke. [Exit, E. 

SCENE VI— Gust's Cabin. 

Gust discovered in cabin. Sings a song and commences to cook supper. While 
grinding on coffee mill, robbers enter from rear, sieze him, tie handkerchief 
over mouth, bind him to chair, retire and set fire to cabin. Tableau. 

CURTAIN. 



ACT IV. 



SCENE I,— RosENA's Home. 

[Miles discovered dusting room .] 

Miles. Bedad, its a foine chamber maid Mister Wist is making of me. 
Batwane the keeping of his office, coming down here working for this pretty 
little Miss Rosena and foinding out all their sacrets, it will be the death of 
me, so it will. And sure he come down here a few days asro and was 
rading in the papers about a Dutchman that was kilt out in California and she 
fainted away. There is getting to be a great deal of mystery about this 
place and I am all the time looking for ghosts and divils— there is one now. 
\ Knock at door. 

Enter George L. 

Geo. Miles, you can return to the office after telling Miss Rosena of my 
visit. [Exit 3Iiles. C. Enter Rosena. C] Miss Rosena, pardon the intru- 
sion. A little business, as well as pleasure, brings me here this morning. 
I have made arrangements for quarters more becoming your station and 
fortune I have purchased the Smilhson mansion, which you may choose 
to occTipy at once, or wait until you may wish to take a life partner with 
you. 

Eos. Mr. West, I admire your taste in choosing such an elegant situation 
and I thank you for your observation on the latter consideration. As long 
as I am Rosena Miller, allow me to remain with the silent memories of the 
past— this dear, old home, though however humble it may be. 

Geo. [Eising a7id aside] Never mind, she may stay here if she desires, 
but a trusty servant of mine own choosing will ever see that none other 
enter without my permission. 

Eos. Mr. West, have you made all the search possible to find poor, little 
Nina's body? 

Geo. I have had the river dredged for miles. iTer body must have gone 
out with the tide and went to sea. 

Eos . How terrible a fate. And have you never seen a contradiction of 
the fate that befell poor Gust ? Do you really thinii he is dead ? 



INTRIGUE. 17 

Geo. I don't think anything about it. I know" it. Therp can be no 
dcubt of it, at all. I saw a man today, just arrived from California, and 
he says the report is true and that his ca'bin was burned and his bones found 
among the ashes. 

Eos. Oh, how cruel and hard my fate! My last hope on earth is lost, 
forever lost! 

Geo. Miss Rosena, we huve to lose our best friends. 'Twill too often 
happen. And now, Miss Kosena, yovi need comfort and assistance and I 
hope to be a friend to you indeed, since the deatli of poor Gust. As Hove 
you, Kosena, I hope you will Jearn to give me yours in return. Come, cheer 
up, I am your guardian by law, and am capable of giving advice. Leave this 
lonesome place, with its sad and mournful past, and go with me to ihe 
Bmithson mansion. 

jRos. But what if — 

Geo. If what? 

Has. If he still lives? 

Geo. Why doubt longer? Can you not believe me ? 

Ros. 1 believe you would tell me the truth. He was to have been back 
in three years. They have come and gone, and yet I have seen his dear face 
never more. 

Geo. Then, will you trust your hand and fortune with me? 

Ros You are the only one to whom I can go for council. But I can't 
just now. Please call when I am in a better mood. 

Geo. Thank vou, Miss Rosena. lam pleased and honored to have you 
consider my proposition . Good day, [Exit. L. 

Ros. Am I right? Does Heaven sanction my actions? "If he lives" 
rings in my ears withdoleJul cadences of misery! Oh, if dead or alive, 
may some angelic messenger, at this dreadful, torturing moment, inform 
me, that my mind may be satisfied and free from doubt. If alive— why do 
I speak the doubting words ?— none but he should ever have my hand and 
the heart that went with it, and buried be ic in the grave with him, now 
and forever. If dead— why do I repeat the torturing words?— Heaven, 
then, cau not hold me responsible if I should marry Mr. George West. If 
I do, my bridal trousseau, then, s-hall carry its mourning for the dead; that 
shall be'one of the conditions of the troth. [Exit, C. 

SCENE II.— In Mountain Highway, 
Enter Jack and Bill . R. 

Jack. Bill, it has been a week since we penned that Dutchman. His 
bones would have been into ashes before this, had it not been for the rain 
that put out the fire after we left that night. 

Bill. I was near there to-day. The rain put out the fire before it got 
much headway and the cabin still stands. 

Jack. Well, then, we will go back to-night and examine matters and take 
down the evidences that are to secure us $1000 apiece. He could'nt make 
his escape and the ropes of course still hold his carcass to the chair we tied 
him in . 

Bill. Yes, we will have nothing to do ; for of course he is dead. 

Jack. And smells worse than a barrel of sauer kraut by this time. Bill, 
I have a pretty tender stomach, and a dead Dutchman smells worse than a 
carbolic soap factory. I want you to handle him. Shall we chuck his 
carcass or shall we try to burn the durned old thing down again ? 

Bill. Fire would be better, but perhaps we had better chuck his remains. 
I'll go an 1 prejjare a hole for the carcass, while you go to the cabin and 
prepare for the funeral procession. [Both exit, L. 

SCENE III.— Gust's Cabin. 

Gust still tied to chair, ivith haggard, starved look. 

Gust. Vill no help efer come? I gant stood dis manty hours longer. 
Dere vas pread in der pox but I can't get id. I dried tree tays to pite der 
toor town, poot gouldn't done it. Dot poocket of vaters has peen vort more 
ash such muchgolt; forn id keep me alife dese long. My stomachs vas 



18 INTRIGUE. 

poorning oop und dare vas fefer in my het. I moost hef some more vaters 
u\id I feel so veak und steef T p^eii afraU I gant holt der pucket mit mine 
mouet. [Hobbles t» bucket on table, takes hold of edge of bucket with teeth and 
while drinKing turns over bucket and spills water.] viine Got in Bimel, der 
vasser vas all spilt ! gone ! Ouf I could only stoop town und lap it oop ouf der 
floor, like a dog! I can leefe no longer. Rosenaund Nina, myahants peen 
tied; send der anchels to vipe der tears fron my eyes. Vas id I treams. 
Efery dings vas- so tatk. My heat roars like der vas a rifer rooning ofer 
id. I can henr nodings, [Enter Jack, C, passing stealthily back. \ Der vas a 
rifer und sum vone vas vaving a lantern for me to follow agrosa, but der 
rifer vas plack, deep und vide. [ Wakes ] Vas I peen asleep ? Vere vas I ? 
[Jack levels a revolver at GusVs head from rear. A knock at the door disturbs him] 
Vas dot somepotys knock at der toor? Has Rosena sent some vone? No^ 
id vas ontly der vinds a plowing [Knocks] Dot vas somepotys. Der light 
preak ofer my heat. I peen af rait to seen anypoty, for I peen so hungry I 
could eat a mans. [Knocks] Knock der toor down und gone in , 

Enter Specidator, C. 

Spec Is this where Gust Goldschmidt lives ? 

Gicst. Veil, 1 peen stay here. Der lifen vas apouet blayed ouet. You 
seen I peen tied und can do nodings. 

Spec. Who did this, and how long have yon been in this fix? 

Gust. Der robbers tied me und tried to purn down der house, poot Hefen 
sent town der rain und der plazes vent ouet. Vat tay peen dis ? 

Spec. Saturday. 

Gust. Den dot makes a veek I peen tied und got nodings to ead. 

Spec. A week! Then you must be about starved. I will release you. 
[Cuts ropes . 

Gitst. Meister, may Hefen rewart you forn deese, fori peen not rich 
enough to done id miaeselve. 

Spec. I ask no reward ; though I must say that your wealth is doubtless 
greater than you suppose and that is my mission here— to add to ic. [Jack 
listens ivith great interest.] That is, providing we can agree to a trade for 
your mining property. I represent an Eastern company arid came to offer 
you a good round sum. for it. As you have had nothing to ea^/ for so long a 
time we will defer business until your system is noiirished Come with 
me and I will furnish you with something to stimulate yourself. 

Gust. I vill go mid you und ead und drink somedings, den ve dalks 
apouet der pisness. I peen so steef und veak I can hardtly valk. l,Exit. C. 

Jack. [Coming down and stecdthlly examining door, etc.] Sh— sh. Perhaps it 
was best that we did not kill t e Dutchie after all. What a sheet-iron 
stomach he must have. He is worse than a cat with nine lives. The price 
he may get for his mine may be worth lying in wait for. We are the boys 
as has never failed on a tap, when the swag was worth the display of first 
class ability. Now, if Bill will only come in time. I will stay concealed in 
the room and take down the dot of the trade. Sh— they are coming. [Jack 
retires. Re-enter Gust and Speculator. 

Gust. Vel, I feel some petter ash I did. If ve makes some trade out for 
dot golt mine. I vants to leefe dright strate avay forn Pennsylwania py der 
next drain, Vot dime o'clock does dot start ouet? 

Spec. At eight to night. Now sir, I am authorized to pay you two hun- 
dred thousand dollars for your mine. 

Gust. I say, meister, couldn't you poot foofty more tousand to it und 
make it a quarter millions ? Dot vould sound so peeg to tell Rosena. 

Spec. I am limited in my negotiations and can not bid beyond what I 
have offered you . 

Gust. Vel, I dakes him. 

Spec. We will fill out the papers at once. I will give you a gold draft on 
the. Bank of ( 'aliforuia. 

Gust. Dot vas goot. I dakes him too. 

[They fill out and exchange papers. Jack stealthily watching the proceedings . 

Spec. Now, my friend, as I found you almost in a dying condition, I 
hope your future may be void of all bad luck. Do not let the robbers get 



INTRIGUE. 19 

hold of you again . Call at our offi3e when you come to town to-night. So 
good-day. [Exit. C. 

Gust. Is it vakendoti trearas'' Vas dis mlneselve? I vish Rosena vas 

here to binch me und see ouf it vas. It vill dake a peeg sachel to carry dot 

sheck in. I pet you I looks out for dose<roppers. [Searches himself to put 

check away. Puts iton inside of hat under the lining.] Demroppers can'tmake 

' anty more foolishence mit me 

Now, Eosenaand Nina, I goue home. Der long roat vat I trafels vonce I 
moost trafel ofer againt. Boot I trafel not forn golt dese dimes, poot to see 
you, my tarlings, for whose happinence I peen vork hard more ash dree 
years. Dese mountains, I hef learned to lofe dem, too. Forn der tears dot 
vas in my eyelits upd apout to fall forn sweet apsent faces, hef often dimes 
peen tried oop py looking at dose grand, mayestic. mountain scenery. Der 
sun und der moon, der pright orps vats rooms der azure ouf oonlimited 
sbace, hef gifen gonsolation in dese vilderness landt, forn vile I peholdt der 
shining prightness at meritian height, do I peen dree towsand miles avay 
fron Rosena, I know dot ve poth, at der same dime gan look at der same 
priglit, Hefenly obyects, und how ooften 1 dinks der pright rays of der 
moon peen reflecting der prightness of soul dot lefe in her sweet, plue eyes. 
Somedimes I feel so lonesome I almost gry und der vas a ringing noies in 
my heat, dot she vas peeing persuated afay forn me und dot it almost preak 
her heart. [Sings song, "almost persuaded.'^ Rosena und Nina, I come! 
Mountains, goot pye. 

[^Starts to door and is confronted by Jack with drawn revolver. Gust 
springs, clutches JacTch wrists. Pistol goes off in the air. In the 
scuffle Oust trips Jack, whose revolver falls to floor. Gust grabbing 
it, Jack rises with drawn dagger and starts at Gust, who presents 
revolver.^ 

Gust, ychtandt pack! You iillainous cut-troat und ropper. Ven you 
rop me againt dere vill peen no breat in dese poty here. No human ploot 
hef efer peen speelt vid 'mein handts, poot nefer you raise your handt 
against Gust Goldschmidt againt. Ven I pen starve dot veek by y(mr 
murterous handts, 1 make dot resolve, dot no mans should efer dreat me 
ooder dan ash I dreat him, und Got in Heimel made me I drust, vot you vas 
not — an honest mans. [Retiring. 

CURTAIN. 



ACT V. 

-* SCENE I— Stkeet. 

Enter R., George, Mother and Nina as a boot-black. Geo. and Mo. 

aside. 

Geo. Mother Ward, you have played a good part and you shall be well 
rewarded, jack will be home in a few daj's. 

Mo Oh I have had bad dreams about him of late. I showed Miss Miller 
the imperative star the last time she was to see me, and she then consented 
to become your wife, a sovereign, good, Mr. West. [Geo. hands sovereign] 
Noda, come shine the gentleman. [Nina shines Geo's boots. 

Geo Stars are quite propitious towards us, Mother Ward, You are the 
champion astronomer of the age. You eclipse them all. 

Mo When in the full, good Mister Ward, 1 am in my best mood. 

Geo Take that and fill up, my adorable venus. [Hands bottle of whiskey to 
Mo., kicks Nina's boot kit aside and strides away. Exit, L. 



20 INTRIGUE. 

Enter Gust, R., just arrived from California. 

Gust. Hello, here vas dat oldt vitches. 

Mo, [Pretending not to know him] Have a shine, mister? 

Gust. I inspec it vould peen petter ash I take some ouf dot shine for der 
first dimes in dree years or more. [Nina commences to shine Gust's boots] Tont 
get diret mit dot peeg chob, mine leedle fellers, und I bays you touble. Say 
you leedle shiner, how oidt vas you ? [To Mother] Vi don't he speak? 

Mo. He had the mumps and it made him dumb. 

Gust. Dat vas too pad. I gives heem der moneys and done id mineselves. 
[Pays Nina money and shines his boots. Mother takes money away from Nina.] 
Vat vas der leedle fellers names? 

Mo. Noda. 

Gust. Dot vas a foony names. [Looking at Nina] Say, leedle fellers done 
I know you ? Vi, dot vasafery flrmiliar faces. [Takes her by the face and 
looks into her eyes] Und dose eyes ! Oh. no. Idvasapoys. [Mother becomes 
excited and jerks Nina away. Exit, L.] Done take heem avay forn me I 
vant hurtet heem. Id vas tay times poot I treams I see Nina, und I vas not 
asleep, eider. Dot vas fonny, don't id. Vel I yoost gone down to Rosena's 
house und see if dot vill peen like a tream, doo. I vakes dem oop pretty 
soon. [Exit, L. 

SCENE II— Old Home Yard of Rosena. 

Miles discovered playing with a dog. 

Miles. The jig was oop and the phidding will come off to-morrow avening 
and the divil only knows phat phil become of mine and the dog's occupa- 
tion. All we have to do is to watch the door and kape people out while Mr. 
Wist is doing his courting. Here comes somebody now, and I must get to 
the door. [Retires. 

Enter Gust, R. 

Gust. Hoora! Py golly I peen hare all dright dese diines. Dem steam 
cars roon ligntnen fast all der vay fron California to Peetspurg, poot it seem 
a long times to me, forn I vants to see Rosena und Nina so aufui pad. Rosena 
vont know me, I inspec, in dese olt clothes, poot I taut I been not too fine 
und see how she likes me still as she used to vas. I knock mine»elf oiit der 
toor. [Starts to door when dog barks. Gust runs dog off and goes to door. Knocks 
No answer] I knock myself louder dese dimes. I inspec she been aschleep. 
[Knocks again. Miles appears at door . 

Miles. Phat do yees want ? 

Gust. Vat I vants? I vants to gone in. 

Miles. Your kerd and name, soir. 

Gust. I tole my name ven I peen on der inside. Ihefnogarts. I nefer 
blays dem anty more. 

Miles. Mister, the country is full of trajups. We can't admit you. [Slams 
door in his fa,ce. 

Gust. By gosht, I no likes dot. Ouf Rosena done me dot vay, und she 
know who I peen vhen she done it,T vould got awful mat mineselve, coomit 
suisite und go mit der grafe yardt. 

Re-enter Miles with dog and tries to sick him on Gust. 

Gust. I peen not afrait mid a dog I peen fere dere vas Yild cats, banthers 
und bears. 

Miles. VVho the divil are you . It sames like I have seen you bafore. 

Gust. You yoost to know me, poot now you dry to sick a dogs on me . 
Say, done yoa know Gust Goidscbmtdt who went to Californias, het a tieful 
of a hardt times, made a peeg som of money und— 

Miles. And was killed by robbers? 

Gust. Not quite ; lorn I peen here. 



INTRiaUEi 21 

Miles. The holy mither's ghost. You did hH die. Marie a fortune and 
now here. Of course I Know you. How you come on? Shake, ould boy. 
Giist. Vat you peen do hare ? 
Miles. Oh. I work here. 

Enter Geo.., L., knocks at door, presents card and is admitted. 

Gust. Who vas dot vellers ? 

Miles. That, soir, is lawyer George Wist. 

Gust George Vest. He vas a fine looking yentleiaans. 1 done like dese 
lawyer such much. Vat he peen do in dere? 

Miles. He is paying his rispects to Miss Rosens. 

Gust. Ish dot s ? 1 no likes dot fornstraie. Baying his respents to Rosena. 
I owe her some resbects, too, vats I like to bay her. [Miles starting] Say, 
mister, done say nodings who I peen. You are fornsdrate fellers. So vas I. 
Leds pe goot friends. [Hands Miles money. 

Miles. Bedad and ye may be me brother. I am fond of the loiks of yee. 
And you say you made a fortune ? 

Gust. Oh, only couple a hoontret tousand tollers. 

31iles. Shake again. Ye are me twin brother. 

Gust. XJnd dot vas Chorge Vest, lawyer and fine looking yentlemans I 
kess tpeen fine too. I gone und got some fine glodings und some of dose 
eedle baper garts vot he lefes at der toor mit der serfant. I pet you I peetS 
him und done you forgot it, Meester Miles. 

Miles. Yee are a ritch man, and 1 will not be after disputing your word. 

Gust. Here is some more bresent [Hands himmore moneyl Rememper^ 

Miles. I will, me lad, until the divil parts us. [Gust starting] Say, whin 
you come again, if you will not delay, say arly to-morrow, you, will foind 
rae in your sarvice. The dog will be dead. I mane the dog that tried to 
bite you. [Exit Gust, H.] The divil will be to pay soon, now. I know phere 
that feller's little sister is. I haven't been having that old hag telling Ine 
fortune ivry day for nothing. It Miss Rosena knew that feller was alive 
she would g,o crazy, and I have a notion to put her in condition for a lunatic 
asylum. The maxim says, don't cut open the goose that lays the golden 
eggs for you. But the quistion phid me just now,vitch is going to be the best 
aoose for me in the future. The goose may hang high on one side and low 
oh the other, here pretty soon, and I want to go with the altitudinal bird. 

Enter Oeorge, and Miles skips out. 

Geo. Everything is all right now, the marriage contract has been signed. 
By to-morrovr night Miss Rosena Miller will be Mrs. George West, and I, 
George West, attorney-at-law, will be worth a quarter million. That two 
thousand dollars advanced to Jack W'ard and his accommodating compan- 
ion in Calif ornia^ was the best investment I ever made. 

Enter Ollie, L, 

01. Why, Cousin George, you are looking so real happy. But most any 
of us would be happy when so near the eve of marriage. I really believe 
that I would be happy myself on- such an occasion. I would just like to try 
once, though, and see if I wouldn't. 

Geo. Yes, cousin, I am happy. My becoming wedded to fortune will 
divorce me from the law. That, of itself, is one occasion for happiness. 
■Pursuit, it is said, furnishes more pleasure than possession ; but happier 
will 1 be on the morrow eve, when the ceremony shall have been over and I 
shall be worth a quarter million. 

01. Cousin, I congratulate you on your success in gaining the hand of so 
nice a young lady and obtaining such a large fortune. 

Geo. And, cousin, I have to thank you in return for the assistance you 
have rendered me in making it a success. Be on hand promptly to-morroW 
evening at the appointed hour. 

Ql. I will, cousin. [Exit both, he L,, she C. 



22 INTRIGUE. 

SCENE III— Street. 
Enter Miles, L. 

Miles. Och, phat fun there will be this avening. The Dutchman will be 
down, and if I succeed, I am going to give him a surprise. Now, if the sha 
divil will come along phid that chap, and I can git me hands on 'em, there 
will be a surprise party at that phidding. Here she comes now. [Enter Mother 
and Nina, R.] And yees are the wans I was hunting. 1 want a good for 
tune tould to-day. But before we commince, lets have a drop of the cra- 
thur 

Mo. You are a honey. 

Miles. Take this bit of money, go down to the grocery by the river there, 
and get a quart of rale good Hquor. 

Mo. Then mind my things. [Starts off with Nina. 

Miles. Lave the boy, i phil take good care of him [Mother goes off after 
whiskey . 

Miles Say, me lad, do you know me ? 

Nina. I have seen you before, but you know I muan't ialk to anyone or 
the V will kill me. 

Miles. Niver moind that now. She will get blind drunk when she re- 
turns. 

Nina That is when she abuses me most. Mister, I wish you hadn't let 
lier have whiskey. 

Miles. I will stay and protict you. Do you know Gust Goldschmidt? 

Nina. Yes, sir. He— he was my brother, but is dead now. Mother Ward 
said so. 

Mils. The divil take thim and all their lies. 

Nina. Then do you know where he is? 
• Miles. (In a whisper) Yis, and I came to take you to him. 

Re-enter Mother ^ very drunk j and abuses Nina. 

Mo. That was real good liquor, mister. Dont you want some. [Drinks. 

Miles. Phil I should think so,froni the amount of it yees been swallowing. 
Take another sip of the crathur and lave me a drap. 

Mo. Your (hie) sugges (hie) tion shall be (hie) availed. [Drains the bottlel 
Shay (hie) have some. [Hands Miles the empty bottle. ' 

Miles. Someph»,t? No, I thank yees. I niver drink air from a bottle. 
[Aside] She will be aslape purty soon. 

Mo. [Reals to aitting position] I feel (hie) tired and (hie) sleepy. 

Miles, That was right. Go to slape and drame me agood fortune. 

Mo. There is a man (hie) coining from a long (hic) distance and there is 
(hie) going to be (hic) trouble in the (hic) camp. [Falls asleep. 

Miles. [Imitating snoring] Phot a slaping beauty. Now, little one I know 
that thim kind of clothes don't fit you. I have brougnt you a new suit. 
Tust step behind those bushes on the bank of the river and make your 
toilet. [Nina takes bundle and retires] Now for meself. [Takes off his dis- 
guise] We must fool this ould lady some way. Now I have it! A little ro- 
mance once.in me loife. 1 am going to commit suicide . The shild committed 
suicide once and it didn't hurt her much, I guess we will try it again. I'le 
take me ould duds and hers pin a note to thim and put thim on the bank 
of the river here, thin they will he firing cannon; givitig us a big salute, 
and dridge the river until they get tired. paid the devil a wan of our carcasses 
will they foind. There's the panls, there's the coat, ould hat, but I haven't 
but the wan pair of butes. I must foind some ould ones to lay with that 
pile. I don't want me friends to think I died wid me butes on. [Finds a 
pair of old boots] Thim are large enough I giss. To make it sortin and .sprx'ific 
I will mark the number on the soles. [3Iakes fig 9 with chalk on the soles] 
That was spacifie enough for the most fastidious. They rade number noins 
that wav, turned up this way, sixes. Now I will indite me will. [Take^ 
paper and writes note and pins on clothing] That was a foine pace of shero- 
graphy. [Reads] "Moy Dear Mistruss Fortune Teller: Oi takes me pen In 



INTRIGUE. 23 

hand to inform yees that you slape so long we are afraid ye be dead. We 
are so full of remorse and sorrow, and yees are so full of liquor, that we will 
go along widout j'^ees. But we have concluded to not go by land, as you 
have doup, but embark on the water route. As mj'sery loikes company, I 
phil take the shemale boy along phid me. Good-bye. Oi River." How phas 
that for a college edecation, in a lawyers office. JVJe laddy are yees ready? 
Nina. Yes, sir. 

Re-enter Nina dressed in pretty, girl suit. 

Miles. Phat an improvement that was. Oi tell ye we are going to have 
some fun. Sh, little one, run on and wait for me in the grove yonder, there 
is some one coming. [Exit Nina, L.] Now oi must dispose of these duds on 
the bank of the river. [Takes clothes off, E. and returns] Now for this pile of 
baggage. Oi will take her to one side, so that people passing along the road 
will not stumble on her. [Brags Mother off, E.] Now here comes me frind 
so foine that his mither wouldn't know him. [Eetires. 

Enter Gust, R., in full dress. 

Gust. Ipeeu all drightdese time, I pet you. I yoost peen so fine ven I 
valks mid mineselve into seen Rosena. I nix tole har who I peen at foorst. 
I villtole her at der toor, mid der serfant on dese leedle baper carts, mid 
pencil writen on, dot I peen Schmidt. I yoost peen sonice und yenteel to 
efery poty vat I meets dot der la ties vill schmile und say, "Fonder who peen 
dot sonifications of berfections dot vas." Here dey coom now. [Aside and 
very polite while George, Ollie and several others pass over the stage 
from R. to L. Miles comes forward. 

Gust. Goot evenen, Meister Miles. Maype you don't know me some 
more. [Hands card] 1 vas der same Gust Goldschmidt vat I peen on kister- 
day. 

Miles. Bedad and ye are. But a little bit foiner. Phat is the matter ? 

Gust. Oh, not mooch der matters. I yuse taut I feex mineselve cop some 
leedle und go town und see Rosene dese efenin. 

Miles. I suppose you know that her father was dead. 

Gust. Deat! Den Rosena been ophan like mineselve. 

Miles. Yes, and ould Elisha Miller is dead, also. He gave his intire for- 
tune to Rosena. 

Gust. Hoo— no, I vill not holler, for dot vould peen pat respects for der 
memory of Elisha. 

Miles. You will happen dovn at the house at the right time. Didn't you 
see some people pass along here just awhile ago. 

Gu.'^t. Nice, goot looking young vomans mit em. Yah, I seen em. 

Miles. They were going down to Miss Kosena's house phere, this evening, 
there is to take place a nuptial ceremony. 

Gust. Nubtial ceremoneys. Vat kind of moneys vas dot ? 

Miles, s I mane a phedding. 

Gust. A veddings? 

Miles. Yis. ihey were going down to see Miss Rosena Miller married to 
Mr. George Wist. 

Gust. Holt on, Meester Miles, holt on. Now dot vas not so. 

Mile^. Yis, but I know it is so. I am a witness to the contract. 

Gust. Meister Miles, I pets you apouet vonehoondret tollars. No foolish- 
ense mit me now. Now tole me some facts. Phere you not trying to choke 
me. 

iles. Perhaps it may choke you, but it was true nivertheless. They say 
he is marrying her for her money. 

Gust. Forn her money's. Oh, yes, you tole me apouet do.t. 

Miles. George Wist was made the cgsecutor of the will and her guardian. 
You see I have bin in his office all this time wid him, and am a purty good 
lawyer mesilf. 

Gust. Is dot so. Vel I makes dot all dright. [Hands Miles money . 

Miles. Ye are still me brother. I sildom niver sharge for me advice whin 



$^ INTRIGUE. 

given to a parsonal frind. Well, old Elisha Miller,, before he died, it is re- 
ported, told several of his frinds that he iiitinded making oeorge Vist, the 
banker, his egsecutor of the will and guardian of the estate Jor Kosenri, 
whin he should die. George Wist, the lawyer, wrote the will and his name 
appears iu it as egsecutor of the will and guardian of the estate for the 
legatee, Miss Rosena Miller, aforesaid. Do you see the point 1 Wkis driving 
at? 

Gust. 1 ditik I toes. 

Miles.. It is generally balaved he forged his own name to the instrument, 
and I balave it. 

Gust. (So did I. I pays j'ou for dot peleif , [Gives Miles more money. 

Miles. Moi mind is now convinced on that pint. 

Gust. Now, vot you say apouet dis ? Vot peen der names againt ? 

Mile^. George W"ist, attorney at law, and George Vist, banker.. 

Gust. George V— est, attorney at law, und George W— est, panker. 

Miles. No, no. George Wist was the lawyer, and George Vist was the 
banker. It takes you Dutch a long time to learn the English language. 

Gust, Dots vatl say, George V- est, lawyer, und George W— est, pankef. 

Miles, I am no school tacher. Have it your own way. 

Gust. I dink I see dec leedle boint in dotvill, und I poostid oop, so high 
ash a gite. 

Miles. Everybody around here think you are dead. 
, Gust. Who salt I vas dear ? 

Miles. It appeared in the Standard, a paper published by George Wist and 
Company, that you had been robbed and your body burnt up in a house in 
California. 

Gust. Vel, dotvas almost a factvonce, poot it vas vone pig lie no^iv . I 
tear hees baper und heeseyes ouet ven I seen him {Bells ring] Vas dot 
sooper times ? 

Miles. You will be too late if you don't hurry up. Those were the phed- 
ding bells. [Gust runs off, L.] Now for the fun. Eedad I must get the 
shild and hurry up. [Jumps up and cracks heels together.] Begorah, I'm in 
luck once more . [Runs off, L. 

SCENE IV.— Wedding Pablor. 

(jfeorge and Rosena at the Altar. 

Parson. If anyone has anything to say, why this couple should not be 
joined together in the wholy bonds of wedlock, let them, now, speak out or 
forever after hold their peace. 

Gust. {Outside) Holt on, holt on. [Enter, ^L.] How you all xas. I hef 
somedings vot I likes to sbeak ouet in dese me'edings. 

Geo. How dare you, sir ! 

Parson. Speak out sir. 

Crust. I peleef e dese man peen George Vest ? 

Geo No sir, George West is my name. George Vest you will find at his 
bank. 

Gust. Dots vot I say. You vas der vone I vants to see. You I pelefe peen 
der egsecutor of Elisha Miller's vill. 

Geo. The same sir. 

Gust. Vel, now, I oxblain some leedle boint apouet dat vill. 

Geo. Sir, how dare you come here with your insulting impudence . Leave 
or I will turn you out by force. 

Gust, Mr. Vest, I hef some leedle force mineselves. Yoost you lay yourn 
handts on me und dese vedings vill boost up mid der peegest foos you efer 
haf on your handts. Mr Barsovi, I vants to oxblain some leedle boint 
apouet dese vill he write. J;iisha Miller vas a Oherman like mineselve vas 
und ven dese man write hees vill he say to him, make George VVe^^t, the 
banker, hee.s egsecutor, und dese George Vest, the lawyer, stick in his 
name. 

Bos. Sir, I am deeply interested in this. I begin to perceive that you 
are ab«ut to explain to me what has seemed a mystery. 

Gmt. Yah, dot peen me. I vas der mystery . 



INTRIGUE. 26 

Enter Miles, R. 

Miles. Ladies and gintlemen, you will plase pardon my first appearance 
in court. You see this young gintleman has already retained my sarvices 
vith a V . 

Geo. Get out. 

Miles» Git out yoursilf Poor land of liberty if a man arnt allowed to 
spake out whin his sarvices have been retained. Mr. Parson, I heard this 
young man trying to explain a lagal teenicality a minute ago, but I don't 
think he made it sufficiently clare to your understanding. 

Parson. Then proceed. 

Miles. Mr. Elisha Miller, the deceased aforesaid, being a German like my 
client here, in trying to spake the English language— which originated from 
the Celtic— interchanged the V and W sounds, calling the banker George 
Wise instead of George Vist, his rale name, and whom he intended should 
be the egsecutor and guardian. Mr. Wist here took advantage of the lin- 
gual deficincy of the Elisha Miller aforesaid and that is why his name has 
appeared in the will. 

Gust. Dot vas der boint. ( To George) Done you seen it ? 

Geo. Who are you, to thus insult us with your slanderous presence. On 
with the ceremony. 

Giist. Holt on a leedie. Petter go some slow. To you, I peen a tead 
mans, poot I vas vone ouf dose kind dot tole some tales you don't like to 
hear. I peen der ghost dot vill not town at your pidding. {Aside) Oh, 
she don't know me yed! Who else vas der to befriendt her poot me. 
(Aloud) To ivliss Rosena, here, maypel peen a speerit, sent to prodect her 
from der fipntish glutches of der vicked. Sir, I peen der man vot two rop- 
pers dit not kill. My name vas— 

Eos. Gust Goldschmidt ! Saved at last. [Bushes to Gusfs arms.] 

Gust, Dot vas a facdt. Ve all pen safed. Mr. Vest, you can dake some 
of Dr. Valker's prescriptions— his piters or avalk, as you choose. Rosena, 
ve vill now make heem pool down his vest fron dot vill. [Geo, rushes out.\ 
Vere vas Nina ? [Eosena hangs her head sorrowfully.} Speak out dear, I vants 
to seen her. 

Eos. She— is— dead ! 

Gust. My Got in Heimel, dot vas too awfully so. Kind Hefen only send 
her pack und dake all my vealth, for id vas ash nodingmid ouet her. 

Miles, My friends, it is sildom in the career of a lawyer like me that he 
should turn to the avocation of a necromancer, but 1 have been thrown 
among fortune tellers so much that I try my hand occasionally, Now be 
quiet and see what I can do. [Motions with hands. 

Rigery rag, rigery rue, may it be true. 

Out of t^it'eiold man's shoe, up through the floor she flew. 

INina thrown up through trap from under stage.^ 

Gust and Eos. Saved, saved. [Embracing her while Miles dances. 
Gust. Rosena, mid your gonsent und der beebles to der front, der cere- 
mony vill now proceed mid ouet furder intrigue mid a lawyer. 

CURTAIN. 



LICRftRY OF CONGRESS 



017 400 300 2 t 



/ 



